Panasonic PV-GS300 3.1MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder with 10x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

This is my first camcorder, therefore I can't really compare to previous experiences. Regardless I really like this product, it's is relevantly small, very easy to control and the manus are pretty easy to manipulate. I haven't done any outdoors shots yet, but I was impressed by the low light performance. The colors where decently preserved, even though you can see some granularity (which I understand is normal) the picture was great (I was watching it on 720dpi HDTV). Way above my expectations. As I read in some reviews I would agree that the 3.2 mega pixels still shot is a nice feature, but by no means it's replacement of you digital camera. The software coming with it it's by now means friendly or feature rich and if you need to burn DVDs you would need to acquire AVI to DVD conversion software (I really liked Nero Vision, but you can get free once as Video DVD Maker).

I've only had this camera for a few days, but I am quite pleased with it.Before buying this camera, however, take a look at what else is out there. This camera sits in a very strange place between consumer cameras and pro level (or at least prosumer) cameras.While it has some excellent features like 3 CCDs (so it captures richer color), optical image stabilization, and fully manual controls; it also lacks certain desirable qualities such as a real focus ring (it has manual focus, but it's joystick driven and imprecise), a headphone jack (although it does have line-level audio out), and the ability to pass analog video through to digital video.To get all those features, you'd need to spend about $200 - $300 more on something like the PV-GS500. For $200 - $300 less, you can get a very comparable camera that simply omits the 3CCDs and has digital image stabilization.What those extra features give you, however, is a richer picture with less noise and more detail, and a much more stable handheld image. You will especially notice the richer image detail if you edit your video in the built in software or iMovie or Final Cut or whatever you use. You can make much broader color and image adjustments on the picture from this camera than you could with a 1-CCD camcorder.Personally, I am very pleased with this camera. I very much like the controls (although I definitely recommend trying out the Panasonic-style joystick control before buying -- some people can't stand it, although I think it's definitely the way to go). The ability to go full manual permits me to take excellent shots in low light, backlit, or otherwise strange situations. The auto mode, however, takes care of 99% of what I need, and does a surprisingly good job managing white balance and shutter speed.The only things that makes me give this camera less than five stars are the manual focus, which requires that you be in full manual mode and also requires two button presses (one on the side of the camera, and then you adjust using the joystick), rather than being entirely joystick-driven as all the other manual controls are; and the AC adapter/battery charger which can EITHER charge the battery or power the camera, but cannot do both at the same time. Expect to buy a separate charger for long shoots.

A disappointment. I purchased this camcorder thinking that, with its 3CCD format, it would be an improvement on the camcorder I already have. Not so; my Sony 3.1MP 1CCD MiniDV camcorder I purchased several years ago produces video and stills of much better resolution, and of more realistic color. I have returned the Panasonic.

I need a cord to watch this on TV. I thought it came with one??

I bought this camcorder after extensive research; others I considered were the Canon Elura 100 and the Sony HC46. I was looking for a camera that would do well in indoor situations. The Elura 100 had good reviews but several complaints about motor noise; the HC46 seemed to be the most popular of the three. I went to a local electronics store and recorded a few minutes on their display model Elura. Playing it back on my TV at home, I could clearly hear the noise of the motor. I actually purchased the HC 46, but was extremely dissatisfied with its low light performance, and returned it to the store (luckily there was no restocking fee).I have had the PV-GS300 for over a month now and I can say without qualification that I am extremely happy with my purchase. I have shot videos both indoors and outdoors. The colors are accurate in normal indoor lighting and the camcorder easy focuses in on objects when I move it around. I am also satisfied with the battery that came with it; with a single charge, it seems to last for a couple of hours, just as the manual claims. Some thoughts and learnings:1. As another reviewer mentioned, the camcorder comes with the digital zoom preset at 25x; I would recommend resetting it to 1x prior to using it.2. The auto mode is adequate for most situations; however, you will get better indoor quality if you use the low light mode and set the white balance to indoor mode.3. When playing back on TV, use the S video cable; this will result in much better picture quality on your TV.4. The camcorder is somewhat heavier than the other ones I tried, so may feel a little uncomfortable to hold and use at first; however after a few uses, I was able to handle it without the weight bothering me.Do not expect too much from the included software (I think this comment really applies to software that comes included with *any* camcorder). It is adequate for transfering video to a computer, very basic editing, etc., but not much more. I think if you are serious about adding effects, nicer titles, or burning to DVD, you will need buy a dedicated application that does this.Overall, though, the camcorder does what I bought it for very well, and I would have no reservations in recommending it to anyone that does not mind spending the extra $100 or so more for a substantial increase in performance.